In her own words, actor Shama Sikander, "logon ka bas chale toh bade bade brands se bhi bargain kar lein." She had a blast viewing the Diwali decorations in Potters Market near Sarojini Nagar while she was recently in Delhi and couldn't help but become consumed by the contagious festive spirit of the festival. However, she also admits that when in the city, it's the gulab jamun from Old Delhi that she loves the most.
Even though actor Shama Sikander has been travelling to Delhi for a long time, the city never ceases to enchant her. However, when she went to the Sarojini Nagar Potters Market this time, she received a further surprise. The actor, who became well-known for his work on the TV series Ye Meri Life Hai and the 1999 Aamir Khan film Mann, couldn't get enough of the unique items available in this market.
The 41-year-old was in awe of all the beautifully crafted items on display during her first visit to this artisanal nook of the city. "Everything was so lovely and colourful, and I really enjoyed this visit! All of these people exhibit such talent, and it is obvious how much effort they put into each and every diya. I now feel incredibly thankful and appreciative of them as a result. Because I've never seen so many stunning diyas in one place, I would want to return to this lane, says Sikander.
She didn't start a bargain while she was pacing down the lane and chatting with the shop owners, but she did tell us: "Bargaining is our subculture; everyone likes to do it because if they don't, they don't feel comfortable making a purchase. They believe their prices, which could range from 50 to 50,000 pounds, are excessive. For potters, logon ka bas chale toh bade bade brands se bhi bargain karein. But I also think it depends on the person we are buying from; if they are poor and a difference of $100 to $200 won't really matter to you, I don't think you should [bargain]. These artisans put in a lot of effort and spend the entire day in the sun creating these tiny objects with such joy and passion. So those of us who bargain should be careful with whom we deal! The fact that these people don't have much margin should be considered... We must assess that and make informed purchasing decisions. Since they must also provide for their families, people like potters who make simple items or make little money don't appeal to me as bargaining partners.
When surrounded by so much colour, the actor showed off her creative side. In one of the improvised shops, she was forced to sit next to a young girl who was painting a diya. Sikander, who is engrossed in painting the object, remarks, "I used to make pottery when I was younger. I have a lot of artistic talent and even paint. Lagati hun main bahut achhi mehendi. I used to create those clay flowers over pots and paint them beautifully as a child, among other things that were also related to the arts. For me, it's incredibly therapeutic. I just start painting whenever I feel any kind of anxiety.
Retail therapy is essential to the celebration of Diwali, and the actor admits she enjoys going shopping in the city. "I adore Mehrauli's designer boutiques, particularly the regional ones. Just great! Even the Indian clothing you can purchase in Delhi is absolutely stunning, whether it is from Connaught Place or Lajpat Nagar markets or another local store. Bahut maza aata hai mujhe toh Lajpat jaane mei. Wahan pe itni badiya cheezein milti hain, so exclusive; itne kam daam mei... it has its own beauty. There is amazing clothing here, from designer to regional. I also buy things for my mother when I like them.
She left Rajasthan when she was only 9 years old, and she reportedly enjoys Delhi's friendly people. The phrase "Mujhe abhi bhi lagta hai ki Dilli mein jo mazze hote hain Diwali ke, woh aur kahin nahi hote" is used. Everyone is busy partying, and they enjoy hosting and feeding visitors to this place. The seller declined to accept payment because Main kal bhi gayi thi kahi. Toh kaise chalega mat karo yaar aise free mei dete rahoge, I informed him. However, the fact remains that "dil se khana khilate hain," bahut meheman nawazi karte hain log idhar... Toh humare yahan bhi aise hi hota hai, Rajasthani hum bhi haina. Unhe khilane pilane mei lag jate hain, Mehmaan aajaye toh.
"Mujhe Chandni Chowk ke gulab jamun bahut pasand hain," the actor demands on each of her visits. 'Jab bhi aati hun yahan, mai unko bolti hu ki mere liye 2 kilo pack karke rakhdein, taki main Mumbai leja saku apne saath,' I told my wife, "Ek baar mujhe khilaye thay, tabhi se I've become such a big fan of them" Aaj tak kahin bhi nahi khaye; or waise maine gulab jamun.
She enjoys the climate of Delhi and claims that "Delhi ka culture toh rich hai hi, khaane se lekar pehnawe tak, par yahan log bahut achhe se dress up hote hain." The time right before Diwali also has ideal weather.
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